Up First from NPR

by NPR
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NPR's Up First is the news you need to start your day. The three biggest stories of the day, with reporting and analysis from NPR News — in 10 minutes. Available weekdays at 6:30 a.m. ET, with hosts Leila Fadel, Steve Inskeep, Michel Martin and A Martinez. Also available on Saturdays at 9 a.m. ET, with Ayesha Rascoe and Scott Simon. On Sundays, hear a longer exploration behind the headlines with Ayesha Rascoe on "The Sunday Story," available by 8 a.m. ET. Subscribe and listen, then support your local NPR station at donate.npr.org.

Support NPR's reporting by subscribing to Up First+ and unlock sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org/upfirst

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Recent Reviews
  • Joana Pastor-Helfer
    Great summary
    Love that is concise, entertaining, and the hosts make it interesting. Great reporting on many topics.
  • Jacob and Jamal
    Long and drawn out
    Every time I think I’m gonna get back into this podcast, I’m reminded why I stopped listening. The host will beat a dead horse on the same topics. The show describes itself as a wrap of news that’s important, to start your day. But in fact picks a story, and goes on, and on, and on. And the topics chosen and how they are discussed, clearly have some bias in them.
  • KLBITNGWQ
    Sorry to be leaving
    I feel sad writing this because I’ve listened to NPR since college. I keep running into the same issue: the podcast (and NPR in general) feels one-sided. The tone often leans in a particular direction, and they seem to avoid stories that might challenge left-leaning perspectives. It’s frustrating because I think the show has potential. If they made more of an effort to present all sides of an issue and include topics they currently leave out, it would be a much stronger, more trustworthy source. Be authentic, trust that your listeners are smart people. Present both sides and let them decide the truth for themselves. I think the Daily from NYT does a fair job at this.
  • edelweiss rosaries
    Kissing the ring
    NPR is the same as Morning Melons Mikaboo and Beaker Scarborough, kissing the ring on the orange hand. I used to love NPR and now it is ridiculous. Would be nice if one news organization would have the spine to speak truth in these times!
  • Zach_85
    Liberal agenda bias
    I still try to listen to Up First a couple of times a week but I have to discern between the liberal bias of the podcasters and the actual facts in the news. It’s sad NPR wasn’t founded on political bias.
  • Jrrpakdhensoandnfjsp
    Once Venerated
    Up First was once a reputable program that maintained strong objective standards. But that has all changed. Like ABC and company, NPR is kowtowing to fascists. The anchors stated that Biden’s blanket pardoning of his family in the face of political prosecution by a mad man soon to be running the FBI harmed democracy before downplaying Trump’s pardoning of violent criminals and sec traffickers. NPR might as well brandish the red armband. They share no attributes with those objective independent news orgs during the third reich. They are compromised.
  • Theodore Revell
    Partial Truths Only
    If you think this is a fair and balanced podcast, you're deeply out of touch with reality
  • Miss A Laree
    Too biased
    I have been listening for years but the content has been becoming too biased. I will be finding a new platform to get my news.
  • AM25*
    Perfect way to start my day
    Concise and informative. My daily go to for morning news.
  • 👍🏻👍🏻ch
    Pardons
    You had a whole segment on pardons issues by Trump. Kind of funny you didn’t mention other pardons announced moments before the peaceful transfer of power took place. NPR will never change.
  • KeithGilburt
    Falls Short
    Historical NPR used to be a consistent source of reliable information. But this group breaks that record. For example, they failed to mention MLK day while rambling on about the weather, inauguration, and Palestine. If I can’t even rely on this ‘morning news’ to tell me what national holiday it is, how can I trust any of their ‘reporting’.
  • Lissat333
    Bending the knee to fascism
    NPR bends the knee to Trump in a pathetic attempt to protect themselves from his wrath. They are no longer news. They are propaganda.
  • RogerThat
    Unlistenable
    I have been listening to NPR since my teens. It felt like home to me. It was an example of intelligent, curious, and thoughtful journalism. It also once felt balanced and objective. Unfortunately I don’t see a sign of this across all of its properties. Stories are riddled with errors of omissions, an absence of voices from both perspectives, and in many cases… material falsehoods. Additionally, the on-air talent are almost unbearable to listen to. Without mentioning names, there is one in particular that is ear-piercing. It’s an assault on the senses. Sad to say, but I am a hard pass on NPR — and like many of my friends young and old — am not renewing my subscription to NPR; including KCRW. R.I.P. NPR
  • Taylor.dc
    Daily news
    Clear, trustworthy information
  • follow🤓
    Truth
    They are to biased
  • vcrvfhhdg hi k
    Done.
    I’ve been listening to NPR since 1997. It has been my source of news for 27 years. I have listened as it has gone farther and farther left. Journalistic integrity has declined. If you cannot hear your bias in your reporting, you have lost touch with many listeners. And we are becoming former listeners. It truly saddens me.
  • heymcclain
    Great Start to an Informed Fay
    I really appreciate this podcast and try to start each day with it to remain informed, especially when I may not have time to sit and read the news. I also appreciate how over time, Steve has started to loosen up and joke around a bit. LoL
  • OMG*_*GMO
    Democracy died
    Coverage has gone downhill for years now. Last year in particular was the last straw. Might as well rename to Fox Jr at this point.
  • JamesOh4
    It’s the headline people
    The is just a quick way to get the headlines out there. This is all about what is happening in the world since you slept. The topics are various and tell you what is happening with the world.
  • Tkotoo
    Does The Military Have An Extremism Problem??
    Does the military have an extremism problem?? … This is my point of view with that statement. I have always admired and have much respect for the (American) countries military and the brave men and women whom risk the ultimate sacrifice as they serve. I most admire their discipline and order thereof. Yet I DO realize those serving as well as served, may also have obtained conditions both physical and psychological from such daily extremes that may well interfere with their daily lives w/o a doubt. Therefore, awareness of such sensitive nature IS NOT TO BE TOYED WITH. Also, is the responsibility of balance one who may be seen as a leader tend to control. DONALD TRUMP was reckless with his directives involving the stand. And there was a guard rail in front of the White House’s lower stairway. That rail was penetrated by crowd against the patrol. All who then proceeded to enter pass point are considered EXTREME in that act. - s.jxn - ga
  • noellej17
    Disappointing
    NPR’s reporting the past year in particular has been inexcusable on so many levels, but it’s been deteriorating for years. I used to listen to NPR religiously. It’s become no better than MSNBC or the Times. The only reason I still listen everyday is to hear what the left has to say. NPR either needs to publicly come out as a left of center institution or re-commit to real journalism. Call me Kreskin, but I predict they will do neither.
  • bifferfly
    V interesting
    I used to use NPR as a news source but knowing how the interview between summer and V went I no longer want NPRs content in my feed.
  • FreshErich
    Lacks journalistic integrity
    NPR used to stand for journalistic integrity and actual news. Recently, I've noticed a trend away from that principle. This podcast is just another political opinion show. Which would be fine, I don't necessarily disagree with what's being presented, but I don't want to wake up to that. The show is packaged as journalism, but it hasn't been that for a long time. I've found another morning news podcast to wake up to and unfollowed up first.
  • Daisy & Zara
    Trying to stay sane
    Remember that Trump did not win a mandate in 2024 and to blame Biden for Trump’s re election is another way of leaving Press and Media off the hook on how they capitulated to Trump! 😱
  • Gymmll
    Ben Spencer
    This is horrific and horribly all too common, Thank you for the light
  • sass_sa_frass
    Just like all the rest
    Highly disappointed in their coverage of recent events. May as well be mainstream media at this point. Unfollowed.
  • holdenolive
    So cute
    No mention of Disney/AbC apologizing to Trump or Fani Willis being kicked off the case, or SoftBank’s investment. It’s almost as if you don’t report on news you don’t like. No wonder liberals are so misinformed!
  • Mansalad6
    Zionist, corporate propaganda.
    What once I regarded as my favorite, most balanced and ethical news source, I now see as pathetic excuse for journalism. Cover the GENOCIDE (not “war”) in Gaza and the litany of crimes against humanity committed by ISRAEL now charged in INTERNATIONAL COURT. Stop coddling the draconian profiteering, private healthcare system and gaslighting your sick and tired listeners that THEIR sense of justice is backwards. NPR we are DONE.
  • private4995
    Still looking for unbiased news
    As a national public radio production, NPR should strive to present both sides or an unbiased view of news stories. There are plenty of “infotainment “shows out there. Why can’t NPR provide news without political bias or commentary?
  • Schnepplady
    News not opinions
    I am officially unfollowing NPR podcasts due to a recent episode stating an opinion on the CEO united healthcare murder. I don’t need them telling me that the reaction to this situation is disturbing. I was a faithful follower and now I’m not.
  • Preston, of CO
    Biased Coverage
    After years of listening to this podcast I just had to unfollow. Their depiction of the UHC CEO assassination was completely biased. What’s the point in humanizing a killer (Brian Thompson), when his assassin is so clearly the people’s champ? Never coming back.
  • BarryOlone
    Amazon’s Up First
    It’s funny how people can listen to up first and hear a liberal bias. The spoon feeding of corporate propaganda (talking points) with the feels-right style of the news is insufferable. Everyone has been so concerned with political angles for so long that they miss the real slant that has the whole country and world sliding downhill. It’s a pain to collect real information these days. It’s like doing all sections of college entrance exams. It’s sad. It’s tedious. We all deserve better. Plain truth. Good luck aggregating your information, everyone.
  • aiden chen harry potter
    Great
    LET AYESHA ROSCOE DO INTERVIEWS ON SATURDAYS, NOT ONLY THE OTHER HOST
  • Great unmasks geisha
    liberal bias is too much
    I say this as a long time listener and someone who has only ever voted for democrats The liberal bias is too much Over the years ,it became increasingly obvious they were just reporting one side stories. More recently, it has turned into active propagandizing of a narrative. It has gotten to the point where I just turn it off mid episode. As of today, I am unsubscribing. The reason I listen to NPR is to hear unbiased nonpartisan news. I am not asking for bothsidesism. Please just report the relevant facts and don’t push a narrative.
  • debllstl
    Mostly good podcast
    12/2/24: I disagree, pardoning Hunter is not a statement about our current justice system. It will not affect President Biden’s legacy in any negative way. I think history will show this pardon was the right and only choice. It is a statement about the coming Trump Administration. Trump plans vengeance, and intends to restructure the FBI and Justice Department to do his bidding. It is also a statement about MAGA’s unfair treatment of Hunter for years now. Hunter has been tormented and embarrassed by Republicans in the House for relatively small offenses. Hunter paid the taxes he owed. That’s resolved. Hunter had a gun for less than 2 weeks. If everyone who checks “no drugs” on a gun application is sent to prison, there will be tens of millions of Americans crowding our prisons.
  • 日的你喵喵叫
    just get to the point straight plz
    just get to the point straight plz
  • Kraad
    Stopped listening
    Too biased, stopped listening to Up First from NPR.
  • ChRoSw675
    Ayesha Rascoe
    Ayesha Rascoe and Donald Trump have this in common: sensible people don’t understand their continued success. This show, years ago, used to offer even tempered and professional journalism. Now, it does not. Instead, it’s about personality and bias. I hope the AP stays free.
  • Native sevant
    Ayesha Roscoe
    The racist trolling of Ayesha then the whitewashing of this podcast in response really shows how the ruling class really feels about diversity.
  • Skloorg
    Please
    For the love of god, cut out the cutesy chitchat at the beginning and end of the episode. It sounds so forced and cringey and disingenuous.
  • squeegee216
    Immature
    Im a centrist. I try to get info from a variety of places. This is dishonest and a waste of time. Very childish immature show. So left leaning and anything a little right is lied about.
  • Mz5325689532
    Too loose
    I like this show for what it is, I think they should focus more on journalism and news rather than developing radio personalities. It’s not too much thankfully so I still listen. There are other podcasts for that, please not this one. And it might be asking too much, letting the reporters (or one at least) have some sort of conservative lean so that an issue can be seen for what it is. Unfortunately, for that I might I just need to look for another podcast for my news. From my understanding, it might be better for ratings and viewership to have a bit of showmanship and stay to one side of an issue. However, I do feel the sentiment of wanting common ground and more understanding and empathy is growing so I do believe that these are valid critiques that might help the show. Wish you all the best, keep doing your best, and I’m grateful for the show. Thanks, Michelle
  • LT Brooklyn
    Love Ayesha Rascoe’s voice
    Just wanting to say how much I appreciate and enjoy Ayesha’s contributions to the sound of NPR. Her reporting is, as expected, top notch. But her presentation style is inviting, authentic and unique to her. It’s a pleasure to listen to her.
  • Luczaza
    Enjoyable
    The only thing is how irritating it is hear Ayesha”s voice. Grating and not radio ready. Can anyone help her with her pitch and guide her into improving it? It’s like Chalk on a blackboard.
  • sophieyale
    It’s been the start of every day for me for years
    There is no other show that treats three current topics with equal measure and that also includes just enough raw, serendipitous personal interaction to make you feel like you belong to a group of friends.
  • morning2x4
    Leans more left over time
    “We, The Voters”, why did the reporters tone change when speaking about a group of people that feel shamed for supporting Harris but your reporters didn’t even speak the part about students not feeling comfortable sharing their support for Trump, you had an interviewee do it. You have no integrity. You just did it again on this Final Campaign Stop episode. Why do you have a reporter upbeat and optimistic when it talking about Harris but then switch to the most depressing sounding human I’ve ever heard to talk about Trumps campaign? If you can’t hire unbiased reporters, you need to hire some conservatives. Also, we don’t care to hear about whether you do your own laundry
  • Stef.fan
    Can’t listen anymore
    I used listen every morning while on my commute, and it used to be quite informative with discourse on the most salient of the day. The coverage of the Israel-hamas war has been appallingly biased towards Palestine, and I’ve had to take a break from the complete one sided coverage
  • Hoptippytop
    Why isn’t my feed pushing these pods?
    I might be insane but since the election this isn’t on my feed at all.
  • Galactic Toast
    Good 80% of the time.
    The show is a wonderful addition to my morning routine. But I can’t stand the voice of whomever does the Sunday show. It’s like chalk to my ears.
  • Swinginnaphat
    Extreme Republican Hate
    I tried for months to listen to NPR for a broad perspective but they do not objectively report the news whatsoever. They carry water for the left wing and consistently says the right wing lies about everything. There is no nuance or objectivity too their reporting. For their stories not involving "lies" the republicans tell, or the "angels" that democrats are, they have nice stories that will broaden your understanding... But they are few and far between.
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